AS the town continues to face restrictions of the third national lockdown, we have rounded up the latest case numbers to show the worst affected areas in Reading.

A spread of different colours a few months ago, the Government's Covid-19 map now shows almost the whole of Reading as a sea of purple, indicating that the rolling rate for each postcode is above 400, with most postcode areas around the 650 mark.

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The most severe locations are represented in the map in a darker purple, which show places with a rate of above 800.

The map's latest figures show the seven-day rolling rate up to January 16.

These are the six areas in the town which are currently shown as a dark purple, severely high-case location:

Norcot North

Total: 90 cases during the week

Difference: Decrease of 7 from previous week

Rate: 1,128.8

Norcot South

Total: 109 cases during the week

Difference: Increase of 13 from previous week

Rate: 1,194.7

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: Covid-19 map of ReadingPICTURED: Covid-19 map of Reading

Battle and Caversham Bridge

Total: 93 cases during the week

Difference: Increase of 6 from previous week

Rate: 913

Southcote

Total: 113 cases during the week

Difference: Increase of 11 from previous week

Rate: 1,307.7

Palmer Park

Total: 97 cases during the week

Difference: Increase of 20 from previous week

Rate: 917.6

Whitley Wood

Total: 64 cases during the week

Difference: Decrease of 17 from previous week

Rate: 898.6

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: Whitley WoodPICTURED: Whitley Wood

Seven–day rates are expressed per 100,000 population and are calculated by dividing the seven day count by the area population and multiplying by 100,000.

To view the map and check your address, click here.

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Meanwhile, ministers are considering paying £500 to everyone who tests positive for coronavirus to increase the number of people abiding by quarantine rules, a Cabinet member has confirmed.

Environment Secretary George Eustice stressed the need for people to comply with the isolation rules when contacted by NHS Test and Trace amid concerns of low compliance.

Scientists welcomed the suggestion of more financial support but Treasury sources were adamant the plan will not go ahead, with one telling the PA news agency bluntly: "Won't happen."

It is estimated the proposal of extending £500 payments to everyone who tests positive for Covid-19 in England, rather than just those who are on low incomes and are unable to work from home, would cost up to £453 million per week.

It is the "preferred position" of Matt Hancock's Department of Health and Social Care, according to a leaked document seen by The Guardian.